Our view: 2-1-1: Save the number

Published 9:47 am, Wednesday, February 8, 2017

As more and more citizens turn to cell phones as a primary source of telecommunication, memorizing phone numbers is a skill that will probably be lost.

However, there are a few important ones that everyone should know.

In the United State, 9-1-1 is the go-to for emergency services. It’s a number children learn in school as what to call for help.

How about another easy to remember number for those who need help — help of a less urgent nature, 2-1-1.

Those three digits connect callers in Northeast Michigan with free and confidential service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan is a free, single connection to the hundreds of health and human services available in the community. Users get one-call convenience and assistance from a trained specialist who directs them to the resources that will serve them best during their time of need.

The service is a bit younger than 9-1-1, but it is serving a need.

In 2016, 2-1-1 handled more than 400,000 contacts that included calls, chats and emails. In Midland County, 2-1-1 was contacted 6,372 times.

To celebrate the service, 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan will mark 2-1-1 Day and celebrate the release of a Michigan 211 App available for iPhones and Androids, which will increase access to help in times of need. There are even some fun prizes for those celebrating the event, which serves to raise awareness for the service.